Special Events Specialist

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee (the Society) is searching for a Special Events Specialist to join a fun environment and talented team of professionals in supporting one of the most cherished community assets, the Milwaukee County Zoo. This role will assist with planning and organizing fundraising and stewardship events and performs various administrative duties.

This is a full-time position eligible for a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, complimentary life, STD and LTD coverage, 401k with up to a 5% match, PTO, paid holidays, and a complimentary zoo pass, up to the family level.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform administrative duties related to Associate Board and fundraisers, including maintaining an updated event database, soliciting and organizing items and registration bags, processing payments and expenses and sending out thank-you letters.
• Coordinates the auction for Puttin’ on the Ritz, Zoo Ball and Birdies & Eagles, including soliciting auction items and writing descriptions for items.
• Help with various fundraising activities on the day of event, including decorating and organizing displays, assisting with set-up/take-down, coordinating logistics, organizing raffles, receiving and processing money transactions, and preparing deposits.
• Assist with volunteer scheduling and coordination.
• Help facilitate Creative Jobs for all events with the Society’s Creative Department.
• Mentors seasonal staff (intern) to assist with auctions.
• Create distribution plan for promotional materials.
• Attend meetings, take minutes and distribute minutes.
• Perform various financial duties, including maintaining and updating budget worksheets, preparing financial reports, and tracking expenses and maintaining files.
• Maintain and update data in CRM system and various fundraising software.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• High school diploma, plus at least 5 years of professional experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience
• Previous events experience preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite, including Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Proficiency in Internet navigation.
• Proficient data entry and typing skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organization and efficiency skills.
• Ability to perform basic accounting duties and accurately count money.
• Ability to effectively work under demand and deadline pressure.
• Ability to effectively present information to groups and one-on-one, with excellent interpersonal skills, professionalism and the ability to build positive interpersonal relationships.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends for fundraising events.
• Must have reliable transportation to the Milwaukee County Zoo.
• Commitment to supporting the Society’s and Zoo’s missions and goals.

The Zoological Society of Milwaukee believes diversity, equity, access, and inclusion (DEAI) are the hallmarks of a robust, vibrant community and have adopted DEAI as foundational to our organizations’ priorities and values. A successful candidate will embrace these values and incorporate a similar commitment within their scope of work to foster an inclusive culture that celebrates diversity, which is demonstrated through actions and words. Individuals from all backgrounds and those with diverse lived experiences are welcomed and encouraged to apply.

The Society provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.